The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-06-11
A LUTHERAN VIEW OF THE "ANDO.
YER QUESTION"
BY REV. f. 7. LATHE.
Caledonia, o.

The Andover question is dust in the
eyes of those who are looking for light
and progress in matters theological and
spiritual. The minds of men were
once enlightened and moved by the
light and love of God as manifested in
the life of Jesus, and taught by his dis
ciples and the fathers of the church.
Now again, in these days, there is lift
ing up of the eyes eastward, for that
very same light, which more than eigh-
teen hundred years ago shone with
magnificent power and sweet effect
upon the world.
No disappointment will attend the
waiting world. The influence and
power of God are ever at work. From
the dawn of creation until now there
has been no rest; no cessation on the
part of God to enlighten the mind, and
improve the heart of man by the min
istry of that infinite love which is for
the redemption Of the race. The dark
ening words, and perverting counsel Of
men, however, have often stood in the
way. But the little rift that has been
always in the dark and overhanging
cloud, and especially since the sixth
century, has greatly increased during
the last fifty years of the upward strug-
gle of mankind for a truer light and
better Interpretation, and wiser appli-
cation of Gods truth. Once more the
worlds hope of glory is lighting the
earth, and gladdening the minds of
men. Old dogmas that formerly bound
the minds of men as in ruthless chains,
do not gall with their rude links as in
time past. Better days are come. No
bier thoughts are getting control of
men; better application of the true
spirit of inspiration, which has never
been withdrawn from the world, pos
sesses the minds and hearts of men;
and the effect is broader and truer in
depreciation Of the Scriptures concern
ing the spiritual wants of man in this
life, and his destiny in the future.
The sun of righteousness is shining
brighter and brighter. The theolog-
ical darkness of the past ages is no
longer enshrouding the pathway of the
upward thought and spiritual desires
of men. The light shines upon every
quarter Of the earth, and for every
heart. The light now breaking upon
the world with sweet deluge of up
lifting and spiritual influence, is des-
tined to increase more and moreover
again to grow dim and fade away in
the mists and gathering darkness of
dogmas springing from heather nations
and worship. Its effect produces the
dynamics of Christianity. With this
power Christianity can never become
the effete thing, such as some desire,
many apprehend, and few regard as
already accomplished. And it is no
wonder that men look upon Christian
ity as exhausted, when unscriptural
grounds of Interpretation have been
used to its hurt. Christianity has suf-
fered, and its growth retarded at the
hands of those who would defend it,
but with irrational interpretations, and
driveling, damaging dogmas which have
stood for Scriptural truths themselves.
But the light has dawned never again
to be INSTRUCTED. The religious thought
of the world is taking higher ground.
1t emanates from, and revolves around
the great central figure of history,
JESUS OF NAZARETH.
The Andover question was recently
made the subject of sermon by the
Rev. VIM. E. Parsons, pastor of the
Church of the Reformation, (Lutheran)
Cleveland, o. In discussing the ques-
ton, he took the case of Mr.. KIDD, a
Japanese statesman, who died about
ten years ago, to illustrate the Andover
theory in the concrete. Mr.. KIDD did
not believe in the doctrine of Buddha,
neither had the light come to him with
such force as to enable him to embrace
the teachings of Jesus. In regard to
him, Rev. Mr.. Parsons used the follow
ing language as reported in the CleUe-
land Leader and Herald, of May IS. He
said: "What is the destiny of that man ?
Was it sealed hopelessly at death Is
that man gone to be the companion of
thieves, murderers, and scoffers Is
he to be judged by some absolute
amount of creed knowledge, failing
which, he passes under fatal and final
condemnation The thought is mon
strous. 1t is unchristian. 1t is bar
barrie. Reason and justice, mercy,
affection, every instinct of the soul, the
Scriptures themselves, all cry out against
such horrible teachings" Then he
added, we had better believe in annihi-
lation, Universalism, purgatory, or al
most any doctrine which had some show
of mercy in it. He characterized the
Andover prosecution as a persecution,
and said, from his years of experience
in foreign land, and acquaintance
with many missionaries, the very man
to send out US missionary, toGs the
man tDhO carried no such dlgfiI mes
SGges as that there toGs no hope for those